Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Save Where Poe Slept

Quite a few towns like to claim the relatively short and somewhat tragic lifespan of Edgar Allan Poe. There's a square in his honor in Boston. (though he once called his birth place a "provincial frogpondium") His dorm room is well preserved on the lawn at the University of Virginia. (even though he had to drop out for lack of funds) There's a museum in Richmond where Poe grew up with the people who almost adopted him. And there's The Poe Housein Baltimore where Poe met and married his young cousin. Mr. Poe died in Baltimore on October 7, 1849, and his death is still a bit of a mystery which I suspect is just how he would like it.

Baltimore, I have to admit is a way cooler city in many respects than this humble burg, but the city has cut funding to this very romantic site. This Friday- 162 years to the day after his demise, The Velvet Lounge on U Street NW is hosting a benefit to save the Poe House with a raffle and live music including DC ROCKS' fave- Nunchucks. The event kicks off at 9:30 p.m.
Only $8 admission.